Today, we found not one but two out-of-work typewriters over at the NOAH resale shop. These machines were in the midst of all kinds of resale Stuff. Not often that you even see a typewriter these days. How many generations has it been since the Royal, Underwood or IBM was king of the office?
However, here are two portables that are enjoying a more upbeat fate as Art Objects over at the Raven Cafe. One is on a table, the other is taking the place of a painting, hanging, space bar down, on a wall.
All of which reminded me that I still have my IBM correctable, wide-carriage Executive in Stash, in the event computers are declared illegal or some such catastrophe. Do note the color: R.E.D! One of my proud possessions from an earlier age. Of course, it is kind of silly of me to hold on to an electric; if civilization collapses, a manual typewriter is the only possible solution. A Royal, preferably.
Today, we found not one but two out-of-work typewriters over at the NOAH resale shop. These machines were in the midst of all kinds of resale Stuff. Not often that you even see a typewriter these days. How many generations has it been since the Royal, Underwood or IBM was king of the office?
However, here are two portables that are enjoying a more upbeat fate as Art Objects over at the Raven Cafe. One is on a table, the other is taking the place of a painting, hanging, space bar down, on a wall.
All of which reminded me that I still have my IBM correctable, wide-carriage Executive in Stash, in the event computers are declared illegal or some such catastrophe. Do note the color: R.E.D! One of my proud possessions from an earlier age. Of course, it is kind of silly of me to hold on to an electric; if civilization collapses, a manual typewriter is the only possible solution. A Royal, preferably.
Somewhere in the depths of the house there is a Remington "Silent writer" portable. Portable meaning that it's in a case with a handle. Of course, the typwriter and case weigh about thirty pounds. So much for portability. Unfortunately, I've never cotton oned to making the ribbon work properly also it is Elite type and I prefer Pica.
ReplyDeleteHermano
"if civilisation collapses" - will there be much need for typewritten documents?
ReplyDeleteGood running shoes and a knife might be more valuable!
I learned to type on the Underwoode Touch-Master 5. I had a heavy hand stroke and when I moved on to electric, it took forever to lighten up the fingers.
ReplyDeleteA red typewriter is YOU, gj! I believe you have an Apple pc. Is it one of those vivid colors?
ReplyDeleteLike Steve, I had difficulty in switching to the electric machines. Then i had to get simple again with the computer keyboard. I used to collect old typewriters but I guess they went in the big yard sale when we moved to Mexico back in the 80's.
ReplyDeleteStockpiling the ribbons might be an idea in the event of civilisation collapsing; if need be one could use them as trip wires or for strangling in the fight for survival...
ReplyDeleteThe red one is really very swish.
Bro -- That kind of "portable" reminds me of my first commercial computer, an Osborne.
ReplyDeleteStitch -- You're so right -- perhaps I was thinking of writing a novel on a desert island...
Steve -- I always liked the touch on the Royal. Hated the silents.
Brain -- For a long time that red typewriter was a prize possession. As for the Mac, my big screen unit is my very first Apple. And Steve Jobs gave up on those colored jobs -- it's computer color. Besides, he didn't have a R.E.D. one.
Cat-A -- Going through all those adjustments of touch over the years is a real reminder of the history of office machines!
Lucy -- that's assuming one has typewriter ribbon to go with the portable (and I believe I might have one of those in the basement...)